Ouaddou calls for consistency as Orlando Pirates face busy Champions League schedule

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou wants his forwards to build on their recent improvement as the club prepares for a demanding run of fixtures in the months ahead.

Ouaddou was speaking to the media at the Orlando Amstel Arena after Pirates completed their preparations for tomorrow’s CAF Champions League first preliminary round, second-leg match against Mauritius side La Cure Waves.

The coach recently challenged his strikers to show greater urgency and deliver performances that reflected their ability. He has since seen an immediate response, with Boitumelo Radiopane scoring twice in his past three matches and Yanela Mbuthuma netting a brace in the latest Betway Premiership game against Kruger United.

Ouaddou is pleased with the reaction but believes the forwards must now produce regularly as Pirates attempt to defend their league title and make progress in the CAF Champions League.

“I’m very happy. Sometimes when you make this call publicly, you as the coach can touch the players in a different way compared to the normal internal meetings,” he said.

“Now the most important thing is consistency, you cannot be up and down. You need consistency in the league and in the CAF Champions League.”

Pirates drew 0-0 with La Cure Waves in Port Louis last weekend, leaving the tie finely balanced before the return fixture. Ouaddou used the first match to involve some of the club’s younger players, particularly from the substitutes’ bench, but says his approach will be different as Pirates seek to reach the next round.

He intends to field a more attacking side in the second leg.

“We went there to get a result or to at least score a goal, but we didn’t,” said Ouaddou. “I can tell you that in the first game it was important for me to give opportunities to some players because it’s important to keep everyone involved in a project.

“We win matches with eleven players, but we win titles with a group of players. Some of the young players gave me great satisfaction last week, which means that I can call on them when I need them.

“Tomorrow is a different game and we will definitely reveal the attacking profiles of our players.”

The winners will face either Gabonese club Mangasport or Namibia’s African Stars in the next round.

Mangasport hold the advantage after winning the first leg 3-1 at home last weekend.